_Jac_.
After all this (I say) when I had born
These wrongs, with Saint-like patience, saw another
Freely enjoy, what was (in Justice) mine,
Yet still so tender of thy rest and quiet,
I never would divulge it, to disturb
Thy peace at home; yet thou most barbarous,
To be so careless of me, and my fame,
(For all respect of thine in the first step
To thy base lust, was lost) in open Court
To publish my disgrace? and on record,
To write me up an easie-yielding wanton?
I think can find no precedent: In my extreams,
One comfort yet is left, that though the Law
Divorce me from thy bed, and made free way
To the unjust embraces of another,
It cannot yet deny that this thy Son
(Look up _Ascanio_ since it is come out)
Is thy legitimate heir.
_Jam_.
Confederacie!
A trick (my Lord) to cheat me; e're you give
Your Sentence, grant me hearing.
_Assist_.
New Chimera's?
_Jam_.
I am (my Lord) since he is without Issue,
Or hope of any, his undoubted heir,
And this forg'd by the Advocate, to defeat me
Of what the laws of _Spain_ confer upon me,
A meer Imposture, and conspiracie
Against my future fortunes.
_Assist_.
You are too bold.
Speak to the cause _Don Henrique_.
_Hen_.
I confess,
(Though the acknowledgment must wound mine honour,)
That all the Court hath heard touching this Cause,
(Or with me, or against me) is most true:
The later part my Brother urg'd, excepted:
For what I now doe, is not out of Spleen
(As he pretends) but from remorse of conscience
And to repair the wrong that I have done
To this poor woman: And I beseech your Lordship
To think I have not so far lost my reason,
To bring into my familie, to succeed me,
The stranger--Issue of anothers Bed,
By proof, this is my Son, I challenge him,
Accept him, and acknowledge him, and desire
By a definitive Sentence of the Court,
He may be so recorded, and full power
To me, to take him home.
_Jac_.
A second rape
To the poor remnant of content that's left me,
If this be granted: and all my former wrongs
Were but beginnings to my miseries,
But this the height of all: rather than part
With my _Ascanio_, I'le deny my oath,
Profess my self a Strumpet, and endure
What punishment soe're the Court decrees
Against a wretch that hath forsworn her self,
Or plai'd the impudent whore.
_Assist_.
This tastes of passion,
And that must not divert the course of Justice;
_Don Henrique_, take your Son, with this condition
You give him maintenance, as becomes his birth,
And 'twill stand with your honour to doe something
For this wronged woman: I will compel nothing,
But leave it to your will. Break up the Court:
It is in vain to move me; my doom's pass'd,
And cannot be revok'd.--
[_Exit_.
_Hen_.
There's your reward.
_Bar_.
More causes, and such Fees. Now to my Wife,
I have too long been absent: Health to your Lordship.
[_Exit_.
_Asc_.
You all look strangely, and I fear believe
This unexpected fortune makes me proud,
Indeed it do's not: I shall ever pay you
The duty of a son, and honour you
Next to my Father: good my Lord, for yet
I dare not call you, uncle, be not sad,
I never shall forget those noble favours
You did me being a stranger, and if ever
I live to be the master of a fortune,
You shall command it.
_Jam_.
Since it was determin'd
I should be cozen'd, I am glad the profit
Shall fall on thee, I am too tough to melt,
But something I will do.
_Hen_.
'Pray you take leave
Of your steward (gentle Brother) the good husband
That takes up all for you.
_Jam_.
Very well, mock on,
It is your turn: I may have mine--
[_Exit_.
_Oct_.
But do not
Forget us, dear _Ascanio_.
_Asc_.
Do not fear it,
I every day will see you: every hour
Remember you in my prayers.
_Oct_.
My grief's too great
To be expressed in words--
[_Exit_.
_Hen_.
Take that and leave us,
[_gives mony to Jacinta_.
Leave us without reply, nay come back sirrah
And study to forget such things as these
As are not worth the knowledge.
[Asca. _offers to follow_.
_Asc_.
O good Sir,
These are bad principles--
_Hen_.
Such as you must learn
Now you are mine, for wealth and poverty
Can hold no friendship: and what is my will
You must observe and do, though good or ill.
[_Exeunt_.